Jaitley's interview

It is interesting that in his >interview to The Hindu (April 19), Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has acknowledged the existence of a “a few distractions”. His admission that “irresponsible statements of some individuals” and the “alleged attacks on churches” fetched India a bad name globally must be noted by all. Development and religious intolerance by the majority religion cannot be alternately yoked by the government. Separation of religion and the state should be the mantra of nations striving for growth and governance.

Shanthi Bhaskar,

Tiruchi

Mr. Jaitley’s statement that individuals causing damage to the standing of the present government being “seriously cautioned” is a heartening development. The present government’s focus on the welfare plans for all people and on industrialisation and the creation of urban-like facilities in the rural areas may be commendable, but it cannot ignore the damage being caused by unwarranted, unsecular acts.

Meenakshi Pattabiraman,

Madurai